What is the date of Holy Week in 2016? What can you eat during it? What can you do in these days and what is not allowed? In the article you will find answers to these questions and get acquainted with the customs of Christians in Russia.
Holy Week in 2016: what is the number to expect it this year
April 25 is the day when difficult days begin for all Christians - Holy Week of 2016. This day just falls on another holiday, Palm Sunday. Holy Week (also called the Passionate Seven) - the most strict days of fasting Christians. All 7 days people mourn, remembering the many sufferings that Jesus Christ endured and his further death. In the early Christian societies on this landmark day it was impossible to eat anything but dry food, entertainment was also forbidden, everyone was told to immediately stop working and observe the Great Lent.Days of the week in Holy Week
Every day of the Passion Week is customarily called Great. This week there are special traditions.Monday, April 25
The day when believers honor the memory of Patriarch Joseph. Many consider him to be a type of Jesus. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers - they sold him to Egypt. Also, Christians indulge in memories of Jesus' curse of a barren fig tree. After all, it is a symbol of the soul, from which spiritual fruits do not appear. Then in Russia it was customary to carry out a thorough cleaning.When and how to celebrate the parental day, find out here .
Tuesday, April 26
The day when I remember how Jesus denounced the Pharisees and scribes, as well as the parables uttered in the Temple of Jerusalem. Representatives of the fair sex on this day, prepared soy milk.Wednesday, April 27th
A day of sorrow as to how Judas Iscariot - Jesus' own disciple sold it for 30 silver coins. Do not forget also the sinner who prepared Jesus for the process of burial.Great (Clean) Thursday, April 28
Holy Week 2016 does not appear without this day. Great Thursday is a day of remembrance of all the important evangelical events. Believers are immersed in the memories of a secret evening, about how Jesus washed his feet to his disciples, about the Prayer of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and the dishonest betrayal of Judas. Thursday is usually called "Clean", since by the time this date comes, the house has to be cleaned and cleaned. On this day, believers paint eggs for Easter, bake a dough for Easter cakes and bake Easter. On the same day, the custom was set for the first time to cut hair to a one-year-old baby. And Christian girls on Great Thursday cut off the tips of the braids, so that the hair is more beautiful and grow faster. Most Christians before the sun rises, bathed in the ice hole or shed water in the bath. In certain parts of the country the custom was strengthened - people collected branches of juniper then burned them, and smoke was launched into the room. Christians believed that he protects from evil spirits and ailments.Good Friday, April 29
The day when it is customary to mourn the most tragic events. Christians remember painfully how they tried Christ, about his crucifixion and death. At the vespers, they take out the shroud. This is the cloth that wrapped the body of Jesus after his death. Before the end of the Easter service, no food should be taken. This Friday was not allowed to do important things and wash.Great Saturday, April 30
The day when they remember Jesus' stay in the grave. The churches illuminate the food. Also on Saturday, there is a great religious miracle - the blessed fire descends in Jerusalem. In the hours of special worship from the Holy Sepulcher a fire is brought out. It is believed that he miraculously appears there every year before Easter.Learn everything about Clean Thursday here .